Pamela Bingham Sheppard, clarinetist, is a graduate of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, a former adjunct professor of music at Houston Community College and was an alternate clarinetist with the Houston Symphony for six years.
She is currently the Artistic Director of The Houston Balalaika Society Orchestra and leader of several bands, including The Kosher Klezmer Band.
Villie Schumann, originally from Bulgaria, studied classical music in European Conservatories & expanded his love of music to many other instruments and genres. Villie has combined Old World music with today’s technology and his versatility and joy of performing, bring excitement to many diverse events across our city.
Moshe Ben-Bassat, originally from Israel, served in the Israeli Army, then, toured with rock/pop bands as lead vocalist & guitarist.
Moshe married, moved to the U.S. and settled in Houston to raise a family. Music has been a lifelong passion and almost any week, you can find him delighting Jewish audiences across the Houston area.
Zachary has a rich professional background. From his beginnings with the 101st Airborne Division Band to touring with Grammy Award winning blues artists and finally, settling down in Houston as an in demand free-lance artist, Zachary brings his deep-rooted Klezmer skills to The Kosher Klezmers.
Aija Izaks, originally from Latvia, is a product of some of the finest music institutions in Europe. She holds a Master of Music Performance Degree from the Latvian Music Academy and has performed all over the world.
Aija is at home in many styles of music, from classical to country, jazz & many ethnic genres, including Klezmer. Ms. Izaks moved to the U.S. in 1994 & is a prominent Houston violinist.
Marina Mizelkova, is originally from Russia, where she earned a degree in Jazz Vocals. Marina brings style and grace to every performance. A finalist on X-Factor Russia and a musical background in jazz, pop, rock and a capella groups, she now brings her many talents to Houston. Currently, you’ll find her all around the city with local bands, traditional Russian performing groups and of course, with The Kosher Klezmer Band.
Elisha Jordan brings a diverse range of musical expertise to the Kosher Klezmer Band. In addition to a degree in classical voice and intense vocal jazz studies with Grammy winning artists, Elisha’s instrumental training on flute, clarinet & sax round out her musical talents. From headlining classical performances to lead singer for jazz, pop and rock bands or singing the national anthem for major league sports teams, Ms. Jordan is an integral part of the Houston music scene.
Rich Latimer is a multi-talented, Houston musician and song writer, whose interests cover all musical styles. In addition to vocals, Rich plays guitar, bass, clarinet, and all saxes. He is at home in classical ensembles, blue grass bands, pop/rock and ethnic bands.
With his electric upright bass, he creates the perfect traditional & contemporary sound for the Kosher Klezmer Band.
Casey Glynn has a strong background in performance and musical theater. From college shows to stints in a wide range of Houston Musical Theater productions, Casey is one of the most versatile vocalists in the Houston area.
He was awarded the Irene Nomination for his role as Mr. Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors” and currently performs as lead singer for The Ziggy Band and as a back-ground vocalist for The Kosher Klezmer Band.
